Taking up an entire New York City block, Bradhurst Court spans 260,000 square feet of affordable housing and commercial space. This significant development plays a vital role in Harlem’s ongoing revitalization. A standout aspect of the construction was its innovative use of exterior wall panels. These panels contributed to both energy efficiency and architectural aesthetics, making them integral to the building envelope and enhancing the structure’s overall thermal and visual performance.
One of the most innovative elements of the project was the integration of checkerboard-style patterned feature bands. These design components were seamlessly incorporated into the exterior wall systems, highlighting the architectural complexity of Bradhurst Court. The project utilized advanced exterior wall system fabrication processes that allowed for such intricate detailing. This high level of customization was made possible through precision engineering and a collaborative approach to exterior wall system manufacturing, ensuring a consistent and high-quality finish.
EEWS, the project’s expert façade contractor, implemented a streamlined workflow for exterior wall panel fabrication. Rather than assembling the panels completely on site, EEWS fabricated them in a controlled facility environment. This process significantly reduced onsite labor and minimized weather-related delays. Moreover, the prefabrication method ensured tighter quality control, resulting in more durable exterior wall panels and a more efficient building enclosure timeline.
A key innovation during construction was the decision to install windows directly into the wall panels during the exterior wall panel manufacturing phase. This off-site integration led to a notable reduction in on-site labor costs and improved installation speed. By incorporating window units during exterior wall system fabrication, the project team also achieved lower rates of breakage. This not only preserved material integrity but also aligned with sustainable construction practices.
